Synonyms of seduce

seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs 

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

I wasn't going to buy the car, but was seduced by the low-interest payment plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempt
• lure
• persuade
• entice
• betray
• beguile
• allure
• bait
• decoy
• solicit
• lead on
• fascinate
• inveigle
• trap
• enchant
• ensnare
• entrap
• draw in
• rope (in)
• captivate
• bewitch
• charm
• enmesh
• snow
• snare
• magnetize
• catch
• mesh
• wile
• tangle
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of seduce

On the show, the master chef — who was born in 1784, died in 1833 and was known as Antonin Carême — is seen sharpening knives, seducing multiple women and selling secrets during the turbulence of Napoleonic France. —Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Molly seduced me into knowing that real power lives in openness — in being available, not invincible. —Nina E. Cerfolio, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

After turning undead and hiding her bite wound, Mary easily gets permission to re-enter the building, and quickly seduces Stack, before murdering him and infecting him with the vampire curse. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

But the next pope may be seduced by that glitter again. —Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025